In the search for a home with character, the owners of 186 Kohimarama Road didn’t know just how well their brief would be filled when they entered the market for a family home.
It was to be a short-lived search, as once they were presented with the Horace Massey home in Kohimarama, Auckland, there was no need to look any further.
“Immediately the home’s character struck us, it was precisely what we were looking for, it had plenty of charm and history,” says the owner.
They are now selling 186 Kohimarama Road, Kohimarama, by a set sale date closing November 22. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $9.3 million and, according to OneRoof data, last changed hands in 2016 for $4.15m.
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Commissioned by the Yates family in 1937, celebrated architect Horace Massey delivered a home for the notable family that has remained ageless almost a century on.
That’s not to say it hasn’t had some help. Very aware of the home’s architectural pedigree, the current owners went to great lengths to retain the home’s traditional features, while forming a striking and functional family home.
Rooms were enlarged, parts almost entirely rebuilt and contemporary aspects added, bringing the home into the modern era, but without sacrificing any character whatsoever. Panelled white walls, handcrafted cabinetry and lead light windows evidence the home’s 1930s origins.
The renovation introduced larger rooms, notably the expansive kitchen and living area. Photo / Supplied
Celebrated architect Horace Massey was commissioned by the Yates family in 1937 to build the family home. Photo / Supplied
The renovation introduced larger rooms, notably the expansive kitchen and living area. Underneath a high gabled ceiling, the space counts as the owner’s favourite area of the home, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a light and open area with the capacity to entertain dozens with an impeccably crafted kitchen fitted with premium appliances and a scullery the size of most kitchens, and all with views directly to Rangitoto and the harbour in the foreground.
“The house was designed for whatever function we would have. Upstairs, we’ve used for more formal entertaining and downstairs we have more informal get-togethers by the pool,” the owner says.
“The layout could not be better with two teens growing up, they’ve had their own space and the home has given us so many opportunities to entertain, it can be used in so many ways.”
The current owners went to great lengths to retain the home’s traditional features, while forming a striking and functional family home. Photo / Supplied
Upstairs was used for more formal entertaining and downstairs for informal get-togethers by the pool. Photo / Supplied
Five bedrooms are split between levels, providing ideal guest or teen accommodation on the ground floor with the primary bedrooms on the first floor.
Alongside the two guest bedrooms is the area, the owner says, is another favourite space – the expansive rumpus and bar which looks out onto the home’s striking inground pool and immaculate 2343sqm of grounds. Upstairs the master bedroom provides two walk-in wardrobes and ensuite with premium and heritage inspired fittings.
Bayleys agent Gary Wallace sold 186 Kohimarama Road to the current owners in 2016 and is marketing the property again alongside Vicki and Sam Wallace.
“The changes the owners have made in the six years they’ve been there are remarkable and done with the utmost care and quality,” he says.
“This is a striking legacy home, which has been given the sensitivity and respect this Horace Massey-designed home deserves.”
- 186 Kohimarama Road, Kohimarama, is for sale by a set date closing November 22
